Abstract
The flagellin epitope flg22, a pathogen-associated molecular pattern
(PAMP), binds to the receptor-like kinase FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2), and
triggers Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane (PM). The flg22-induced
increases in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) (FICA) play a
crucial role in plant innate immunity. It’s well established that the
receptor FLS2 and the key downstream component, reactive oxygen species
(ROS) burst, undergoes sensitivity adaptation after flg22 stimulation,
referred to as desensitization and resensitization, to prevent over
responses to pathogens. However, whether FICA also mount adaptation
mechanisms to ensure appropriate and efficient responses against
pathogens remains poorly understood. Here, we carried out detailed
analyses of [Ca2+]i increases upon two successive flg22 treatments,
recorded and characterized, for the first time, rapid desensitization
but slow resensitization of FICA in Arabidopsis thaliana.
Pharmacological analyses showed that the rapid desensitization might be
synergistically regulated by ligand-induced FLS2 endocytosis as well as
the PM depolarization. The recovery of desensitized FICA might require
to de novo FLS2 protein synthesis. FICA resensitization appeared
significantly slower than FLS2 protein recovery, suggesting additional
regulatory mechanisms of other components, such as flg22-related Ca2+
permeable channels. Taken together, we have carefully defined the FICA
sensitivity adaptation, which will facilitate further molecular and
genetic dissection of the Ca2+-mediated adaptive mechanisms in
PAMP-triggered immunity.